Staying in the Game: Retaining Highly Educated Science and Engineering Doctoral Recipients in the U.S.

In 2022, over 90% of the nearly 31,000 science and engineering (S&E) doctoral recipients with post-graduate commitments chose to stay in the U.S. This trend underscores the importance of cultivating a skilled and educated workforce in the U.S. to meet the demands of a growing and evolving economy.

Of those who stayed in the U.S., more than 60% accepted jobs in industry or business. The industries that attracted the largest number of post-grad doctoral recipients were physical sciences, engineering, computer and information sciences, and biological and biomedical sciences.

According to the NCSES report, these statistics indicate a strong retention of highly educated individuals in the U.S. workforce within the fields of science and engineering. The data also highlights the widespread demand for individuals with advanced degrees in various industries, particularly in sectors related to physical sciences, engineering, and technology.

This trend underscores the importance of investing in education and training programs that prepare students for careers in these fields, as well as creating policies that attract top talent to these industries.

By retaining a significant portion of S&E doctoral recipients and attracting them to industry roles, the country can continue to drive innovation and competitiveness across various sectors.